"A new species of water lily discovered this year helps prove the theory of evolution, a Manitoba scientist says.

"This species isn't just new to Manitoba, it is a new species of plant that has evolved fairly recently," said Diana Robson, the Manitoba Museum's curator of botany. "Evolution isn't just something that occurred in the past; it's happening right now."

"New species evolve when individuals obtain new genetic material that makes them well adapted to new habitats. Mutation is one way that organisms obtain new genetic information, and hybridization is another."

The new species is a hybrid. It arose when two fairly common species of water lily, Leiberg's Water-lily (Nymphaea leibergii) and Fragrant Water-lily (Nymphaea odorata) interbred.

Although plant hybrids form regularly, they are usually sterile and unable to reproduce.

It is the only documented population of this type of new water lily in Manitoba, Robson said, and is a fertile hybrid that is reproducing. So it's considered to be a brand-new species."

Leonid - Do you know that fundamental particles pop in and out of existence billions of times a second in what we call "empty" space.

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I love it how I make no mention of creationism or religion yet the fundamentalists feel like am I attacking them. Well, I guess they would be feeling pretty insecure in today's society. 100 years ago, they would be comfortable, but not today.

uh-huh, well I'm sorry if my lack of excitement over lily plants producing more lily plants isn't quite epiphany that it obviously is for you. Show me 2 lilies producing a completely new and never before seen plant (that isn't just another lily) and I'm right there with you. ;)

----- A challenge to a perceived consensus is a challenge to all the powers in human society, as it can take a person’s understanding of the world we live in, and flip it upside down.

Director - "Show me 2 lilies producing a completely new and never before seen plant (that isn't just another lily) and I'm right there with you. ;)"

Mate, you are still making a fool of yourself. Evolution mainly works in tiny incremental changes. A frog does not turn into a bird overnight. If you had bothered to actually read the whole news report you would have seen this section: "Although plant hybrids form regularly, they are usually sterile and unable to reproduce.

It is the only documented population of this type of new water lily in Manitoba, Robson said, and is a fertile hybrid that is reproducing. So it's considered to be a brand-new species."

You are obviously ignorant and seem almost proud of your ignorance. That's not a good attitude to have. Educate yourself.